Torpedo pattern running setting device



Sept. 6, 1955 R. c. KENT, JR, ET AL TORPEDO PATTERN RUNNING SETTING DEVICE 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Nov. 19, 1952 mmooDm mm jomhzoo mmmDOo INVENTORS RAYMOND C. KENT JR ROLAND G. DAUDELIN ATTORNEYS Sept. 6, 1955 R. c. KENT, JR., ET AL 2,716,957

" TORPEDO PATTERN RUNNING SETTING DEVICE Filed Nov. 19, 1952 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 FHGA.

IN VENTORS RAYMOND C. KENT JR.

ROLAND G. DAUDELIN ATTORNEYS Sept. 6, 1955 R. c. KENT, JR., ET AL 2,716,957

TORPEDO PATTERN RUNNING SETTING DEVICE Filed Nov. 19, 1952 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 FIG.5.

INVENTORS RAYMOND c. KENT JR. ROLAND G. DAUDELIN ATTORNEYS 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTOR5 ATTORNEYS R. c. KENT, JR., ET AL TORPEDO PATTERN RUNNING SETTING DEVICE :IRAYMOND C. KENT JR. ROLAND G. DAUDELIN 7 l 8 6 a x E WVZ 4/ 4 @J 7/ F 4 a /@MEL m Mir J j 8 2 a X 5 M05 s k E A k .N 4 9 3 7 I 3 $2 4 m 7 6 1 2 1 5? 7 8 m 7 M ill I/An Q 1 v 9 55 7 4 H m?! 5 W. 7 W/ E a Sept. 6, 1955 Filed Nov. 19, 1952 2,716,957 Patented Sept. 6, 1955 TORPEDO PATTERN RUNNING SETTING DEVICE Raymond C. Kent, In, and Roland G. Daudelin, Silver Spring, Md., assignors to the United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy Application November 19, 1952, Serial No. 321,532

2 Claims. (Cl. 114-23) (Granted under Title 35, U. S. Code (1952), see. 266) The invention described herein may be manufactured and used by or for the Government of the United States of America for governmental purposes without the payment of any royalties thereon or therefor.

The invention described herein relates to a setting device for a torpedo course controller and more particularly to a mechanical unit for setting course angles on a course controller which determines the pattern followed by a torpedo.

Normally a torpedo when fired from a vessel will assume a firing angle determined by the relative speed and bearing of the firing ship and target ship, and the torpedo will continue to follow a course determined by this angle until it becomes exhausted. However, a torpedo when provided with a course controller will follow the course determined by the initial firing angle for a predetermined length of time and, if failing to score a hit, it will then assume a zig-zag pattern crossing and re-crossing the line of movement of the target vessel thereby increasing the probability of scoring a hit. Such course controllers are well known in the art and include a series of four adjustable cams mounted on the outer gimbal ring of a gyroscope. The settings of these cams determine the angles which the torpedo will assume in carrying out the prescribed pattern. Heretofore, the positions of these cams were determined by fire control which through a series of computers solved a relatively involved formula to operate shafts leading to the cams. The present invention provides a mechanism for setting two of the cams determining the course pattern of the torpedo which mechanism is simple to operate and which eliminates the necessity for the use of complicated computers in calculating the course angles.

A primary object of this invention is to provide a setting device for a torpedo course controller which determines the course angles necessary to cause the torpedo to zig-zag, crossing and re-crossing the line of travel of the target ship.

Another object of the presently disclosed invention is to provide a mechanical unit for resolving target speed and target bearing into angles which determine the course pattern necessary to cause a torpedo to zig-zag along the line of movement of the target.

Still another object of this invention is to provide a setting device for actuating the cams in a torpedo course controller which is simple in construction and easy to operate.

Other objects and many of the attendant advantages of this invention will be readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein:

Fig. 1 is a diagrammatic view of a course pattern possible with the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the relationship of the setting device to the torpedo rudder;

Fig. 3 is a view in elevation of a portion of the course controller;

Fig. 4 is a sectional view along the line 44 of Fig. 3;

Fig. 5 is a sectional view of the setting device;

Fig. 6 is a sectional view along the line 66 of Fig. 5; and

Fig. 7 is a plan view of the dials of the course controller.

Referring now specifically to Fig. l a brief description of the theory involved in the operation of the presently disclosed device will be undertaken. The torpedo upon leaving the firing vessel assumes the course determined by the angle E and runs in a straight line for a length of time determined by the setting of the desired preliminary run. If the torpedo fails to score a hit at point S, it follows the pattern indicated and therefore there is also a possibility of scoring a hit at point T or at at point U. The initial firing angle and length of the preliminary run are variable which, as is readily apparent, may be easily determined by fire control, and the present invention is not related to the determination of these values. The angle indicated as 0c is correlative of the target speed since this angle determines the width of the pattern and the points at which the torpedo will re-cross the target course. The greater the target speed the smaller would be this angle. Since the course controller operates in conjunction with the gyroscope the angle at cannot be used directly by must be combined with the relative bearing of the target to the submarine in order to be set into the course controller in terms of the original submarine course. The relative bearing of the target to the submarine is indicated by the angle T, and all angles measured in a clockwise direction are indicated as positive angles whereas all angles measured in a counter clockwise direction are indicated as negative. The angle zx is measured from the target course as a reference line whereas the angles T and E are always measured from the firing vessel course. It is apparent that all of the angles of the torpedo course pattern will be in terms of T, the target bearing angle, and a, the pattern angle, which is correlative of the target speed. At point S the angle indicated as E1 is equal to T -a. At the point indicated as W the angle E2 is equal to T-I-DL. The angle at point V is determined by a differential gear since this angle is always equal to /2 the sum of E1 and E2. The relative bearing of the submarine to the target may be varied in any desired manner. However, the angles E and E2 will always be equal to i-Tia. The present invention provides a means for automatically computing E1 and E2 when the relative bearing T and target speed are known.

The setting device is housed in a box 1 (Fig. 5) which is provided with input cranks 2 and 3 and output shafts 4- and 5. There is provided a dial assembly (Fig. 7) having a rotatable circular plate 6 with a zero marker thereon, a rotatable member 7 having indicia thereon indicative of target bearing and a fixed dial 3 having indicia thereon indicative of target speed.

Within the torpedo proper is located the course controller (Fig. 3) having a gyro wheel 9 pivoted within an inner gimbal ring 11 which in turn is pivoted within an outer gimbal ring 12. Fixedly mounted on the outer gimbal ring is a plate 13 on which are rotatably mounted the course earns 14 through 1'7. Rotatably mounted on plate 13 are shafts 18, 19 and 21. Shafts l8, l9 and 21 are provided with suitable gearing to operatively connect the shafts with cams 14, i5 and 17 respectively whereby rotation of the shaft produces corresponding rotation of the course cam. There is provided an actuating fork 22 which is slidably disposed over the course cams and is mounted in a bracket 23. The actuating fork is operated by a timing means (not shown) which serves to slide the actuating fork over the course cams in predetermined time delayed relation. A shaft 25 extends upwardly from the .actuating forkthrough bracket 23 and on the upper endof this shaftis mounted aorod.26 the outer end of which is provided with a piston rod connection 2'7. The piston rod connection serves to mount the piston rod on an air valve indicated :atZS.

It can be seen that ,due'to the linkage shown sideward movement of the :actuating fork will produce rotative movement of shaft 25 whereby the air valve 28 will be movedin andout. This actuation of the air valve causes actuation of the steering motor in a well known manner so that the rudder of the torpedo is moved in response to movement of fork .22. Referring to Fig. 4 it can be seen that the cam 14 is provided with a cammed portion 29 which rests within a recess in the actuating fork 22. When this cammed portion 29 is offset by rotation .of shaft 18, the actuating fork will be moved sidewards to actuate the air valve.

As the torpedo turnsin response to turning the rudder, all elements mounted within the torpedo will also turn with the exception of the gyroscope which remains in the same relative position. It is apparent, therefore, that the actuating fork 22 will be moved around the engaged course cam which remains in the same relative position until the cam portion 29 is positioned in the recess within the actuating fork. When the cam falls within this recess the actuating fork is returned to a neutral position and the air valve is also returned to a normal position. Therefore, it is apparent that the rudder of the torpedo will be held in a turning position for a length of time determined by the time required for the recess in the actuating fork to engage the cam which it will when the torpedo is on the course determined by that cam.

A sectional view of the setting device which determines the position of course earns 15 and 17 is shown in Fig. 5. The input crank 2 is provided with a shaft 41 extending inwardly therefrom which is mounted in roller bearings 42 and provided with a worm 43 (Fig. 6) mounted on the inner end thereof which engages a worm wheel 44. In Fig. 6 there are shown blocks 45 and 46 which provide mounting means for ball bearings 47 and 48 which rotatably mount a shaft 49 extending the width of the setting device. The worm wheel 44 is mounted on a sleeve 51 rotatably disposed around shaft 49 the outer end of which is engaged by boss 52 mounted on the dial '7. It can be seen therefore that rotation of the input crank 2 will cause rotation of the dial 7. The input crank 3 (Fig. 5) is provided with a shaft 53 extending inwardly therefrom and which is mounted within ball bearings 54- .and 55. Shaft 53 has a worm 56 on the inner end thereof engaging a worm wheel 57 (Fig. 6) mounted on shaft 49. i

Mounted on the endportion of shaft 49 is a boss 53 on the inner circular plate 6. It can be seen, therefore, that rotation of the input crank 3 will cause corresponding rotation of the inner plate 6. Disposed on shaft 41 is a gear 59 (Fig. 5) which transmits rotation of shaft 41 to shaft 61 through engagement with gear 62. Rotation of shaft 61 is transmitted to shaft 63 through gears 64 and 65. Gears 59 and 62 and gears 64 and 65 are both in a ratio of 2 to 1 so that a single revolution ofshaft 41 produces 4 revolutions of shaft 63. Bevelgears 66 transmit rotation of shaft 63 to a gear 6'7 engaging an input on a differential 68 which is of any well known construction. The output shaft 69 of differential-68 is provided with a gear 70 which through engagement with gear 71 transmits rotation of shaft 69 to shaft 72. Gear train 73 transmits rotation of shaft 72 to the output shaft 5 and serves to adjust the output to the specific construction of the course controller. Since the differential68 always gives one half the sum or difference of the input values it can be seen that four revolutions of shaft :63 caused by one revolution of shaft 41 will produce two revolutions of the output shaft 5.

Bevel gears 75 transmit rotation of shaft 53 directly to output shaft 4. .Bevel gears 77 which are in a ratio of 2 to '1 also transmit rotation of shaft 53 to shaft178.

Gear 79 mounted on the end portion of shaft 78 transmits rotation ,of shaft 78 .tothe other .input .of .the differential 68.

The input crank 2 serves to set the target speed or, since the target speed is calibrated in terms of the angle a, this crank actually sets ,.in :a value of a. Since the position of the dial 7 determines the setting for the inner dial 6-the angle w'must'always Lbecranked in first. Hence, when the target bearing is set in on the input crank 3 actually a 'value of 'iTinc is actually being set in .and

this value is transmitted directly'to the output shaft 4. The value on .output'shaft Sis-determined bythe differential 68 which either adds or subtracts 2(iTia) to the value of 4a which is set by the input crank 2 on the differential. Hence,-on the outputs'haft 5 will be set a value iTia. .In .order to correctly set the pattern angles on the course controller the operator of the setting device need only know the speed of the target and the relative position thereof. Shafts 19 and .21 are 'extended to the rear 'of the torpedo and-the setting device 1 is removably positioned thereon with the output shafts 4 and 5 engaging shafts 19 and 21. The target speed dial is so calibrated that the correct'angle a is set in by the determination of thedirection of travel of the target ship. The .dial is marked so that the operator rotates the dial in one direction .When'the target is moving from left to right and in the opposite direction when the target is moving'from :right:to left. In'this manner the correct sign of the'target bearing :angle is set in. The initial firing angle is independently set on course cam 14 and the timing meansis .adjusted to produce the desired :lengthof the preliminary run. The actuating fork 22 will immediately ride over .course cam 14 after the torpedo is launched and the torpedo will continue on the course determined by this :cam .for'the length of time regulated'by the timing means. When the timing means causes .the actuating :fork "to slide down over cam 15 the torpedo willturn:accordingitoathe angle set thereon (iTiu). .The actuating fork successively rides over cams 15, 1'6'and :17 to producezthe pattern illustrated in Fig. 1. .In thiszmanneta setting'device is provided which will set on a course :controller .pattern angles causing the torpedo to cross and re=cross:the line of movement of the target vessel.

Obviously many modifications and variations of the present invention arepossible in the light of the above teachings. It is therefore to beunderstood that within the scope of the appended-claims the invention may be practicedotherwise than .as specifically describe-d.

What is claimed as. new and desired to be secured by Letters Patent of the United-States is:

1. The combination with a steering controller of a torpedo wherein said steering controller is .of a character comprising means having :a. first .cam :means for controlling-the direction and :lengthof the preliminary torpedo run after launching, cam follower means, and means including atrleast :two pattern setting course deviate control cams so relatedwto-said firstcam and said cam'follower. means .as;to.-steer:a zig zag path of travel for said torpedo according to'a predetermined presetting; of means disengageably connectible to said torpedo and prior to launching to provide'predeterminedpattern setting movement of asaidcoursendeviate;cams whereby said follower altersthe torpedo'ztravel path "followinginitial run and in correlation with the relative bearing of same with respect to target travel,.said last named means including meansfor providing a'first output drive for a first positional input'setting of .a first of said pattern setting control camsprior to ilaunching, means connected to said last named means for'indicating a condition of correlation of said setting with the direction of preliminary run of said torpedo,.means'providing a second output drive :for setting into said steering controller at a second input thereof'fonthe. second of said patterndeviate control-cams a'pattern deviation positioning movement indicative of the algebraic sum of said first setting and the angular deviation of said pattern angle taken with respect to the prior run thereof and the relative bearing of said torpedo, and means connected to said drive means for indicating said pattern setting in correlation with said initial setting, said pattern setting means including difierential gearing interposed between the first and second drive outputs thereof.

2. The combination with a steering controller for a torpedo of a character including a series of at least three cam members and a cam follower selectively engageable with each of said cams for controlling the course of the torpedo for engagement with a target, wherein said follower is connected with the steering engine control of the torpedo and a first cam determines the preliminary run of the torpedo after launching, of apparatus for presetting the steering cams of said steering controller according to a predetermined pattern program correlative with predeterminations of the relative bearing and duration of the preliminary torpedo run with respect to the bearing and speed of the target which comprises means engageable with a second one of said cams to set a first deviate angle movement therein, means on said controller selectively to provide an input indication of the position of the deviation angle with respect to the target speed and means for setting a third of said cams and providing indications of said setting with respect to said prior indication which includes a differential mechanism for setting said third cam according to the algebraic summation of the deviate angle movement taken with respect to the settings of said first and second cams.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,401,628 Meitner Dec. 27, 1921 1,581,147 Whitaker Apr. 20, 1926 

